'Every artist wants to be writing and recording with him': Inside Nile Rodgers' new role at Abbey Road Studios

Abbey Road's Mark Robertson has spoken to Music Week about the legendary studios' unique new partnership with Nile Rodgers.

Rodgers has established the studio as his primary creative base in the UK and serves as its global ambassador within the artist and creative community. His remit extends to consultation on Abbey Road’s pioneering experiments in audio technology.

“I had been thinking about an ambassador for the studios to help share the message about how Abbey Road is increasingly accessible and a hub of audio tech innovation," said Robertson, the studios' head of brand and marketing. "In an incredible stroke of luck, Nile was recording here and was the obvious choice. Nobody else combines the legacy and relevance that he has."

It's About Time, the first new Chic album since 1992, is released on September 14 via Virgin EMI.

"Nile is unique in having an unparalleled heritage as a songwriter, producer and musician, and also someone who resonates with today’s artists," said Robertson. "You only have to look at the people he has been working with at Abbey Road: Anderson Paak, Disclosure, Jorja Smith, HMLTD, Mura Masa, Nao, Anais... Every artist wants to write and record with him. He is astonishingly prolific and without ego, so the process is a joy for everyone.”

Robertson explained the initial idea was for Rodgers to introduce artists and producers to the studios’ innovations.

"He's already going beyond this and there will be some exciting announcements over the coming year," added Robinson. "In the meantime, his priority has been to complete the project that he started at Abbey Road in spring 2017 - the first new Chic album in 26 years.

“It’s genuinely thrilling to see Nile working at Abbey Road, constantly creating and inspiring everyone who comes here. Every day he seems to make a new connection with an artist or composer and spark an idea for a new collaboration. It sounds bonkers, but the whole house dances with joy when he is in residence.”

Subscribers can click here to read this week's Music Week cover interview with Nile Rodgers, conducted at Abbey Road, which also features contributions from Hipgnosis Music’s Merck Mercuriadis and Virgin EMI president Ted Cockle.